. >> democrats and republicans are wrangling over last--minute legislation to avert the so-called fiscal cliff. there's no sign of a deal so far. here's the latest. reporter: as senators convened in a rare sunday session, they heard this prayer from the senate chaplain. >> look with favor on our nation, and save us from self-inflicted wounds. >> the clock is ticking towards the new year's midnight hour when tax hikes and budget cuts swoop ground the fiscal cliff. the two senate leaders, harry reid and mitch mcconnell are working on a stop-gap bill. >> at some point it appears there are things that stop us from moving forward. i hope we're not there, but we're getting real close. >> i want everyone to know i'm willing to get this done but i need a dance partner. >> the legislation would prevent tax increase for roughly 98% of american workers, extend unemployment benefits set to expire for some two million people, and prevent a huge cut in payments to medicare doctors. >> we should go ahead and introduce legs that would make sure middle class taxes stay where they are and should be an up